On August 9, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (“OSMRE”) published a Policy Advisory that directs state regulatory agencies to restrict the use and approval of self-bonding. The Policy Advisory outlines three policy suggestions for states to … Continued
The Congressional recess means members of Congress are in their home state to hold town hall meetings, visit fairs and rodeos, and reconnect with constituents. These events are an opportunity to let your Representative and Senators know what you care … Continued
New images released earlier this summer by the U.S. Geological Survey illustrate the impact of industrial development on the high plains of Wyoming. Images from the Landsat satellite taken in 1984 and 2016 reveal before-and-after views of a landscape riven by the three … Continued
The Department of the Interior closed the coal royalty loophole in late June after years of study and public comments. On June 30, the agency issued a new rule to calculate royalties for federal coal and other minerals. Companies pay royalties … Continued
As part of an agreement with the Department of Interior and other U.S. regulatory agencies, Alpha Natural Resources will replace its controversial self-bonds for the company’s Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr Mines in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. On … Continued
In Casper, in Salt Lake City, in Knoxville, in Seattle, in Grand Junction, and in Billings, WORC members made a strong case to reform federal coal leasing and detailed issues that need to be addressed. Scoping hearings around the country drew big … Continued
Federal coal leasing is a broken program stuck in the 20th century. For over a generation, a U.S. government program has sold publicly owned coal to private companies at fire-sale prices, losing out on billions of dollars of public funds and leaving … Continued
The Army Corps of Engineers turned down the Gateway Pacific Terminal, a proposed coal export terminal at Cherry Point, near Bellingham, Washington. The Corps ruled the project would impact the treaty-protected fishing rights of the Lummi Nation. Artist and Northern … Continued
I was almost eleven years old in the summer of 1977 when my parents and other members of the Northern Plains Resource Council saw an article in Northern Plains’ newsletter about yet another coal mine proposal. This proposal was close … Continued
In May and June the Department of the Interior (DOI) plans to hold six hearings on the federal coal leasing program. The hearings are an opportunity for the public to comment as the agency reviews the controversial program. Numerous reports have … Continued